Introduction: 3D Modeled Orange Slice

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MAT 111PF: 3D Modeling, Chocolate Casting Project

For this assignment, we were asked to 3D model & print a shape that we will later make into a mold to make chocolate with during class. I decided to make the shape of an orange slice, because I like oranges, and also because I ran out of ideas and saw the half-eaten orange sitting on my desk.

Supplies

For the modeling process:

  1. Something to sketch on
  2. Fusion 360
  3. 3D Printer
  4. A half-eaten orange sitting on your desk as inspiration (optional)

For the chocolate molding process:

  1. Gorilla glue
  2. Mostly-airtight mold container
  3. Silicone (preferably food-safe, if you feel like living a long and prosperous life)
  4. Melted Chocolate

Step 1: Initial Sketches

Sketch out some ideas for what to do! And nail down one idea.

Step 2: CAD Process

CAD the shape sketched in the previous section. The orange slice itself is made through 1 revolve extrude and 1 revolve cut. I have also added an embossed smiley face to the back of the orange slice to fulfill the assignment requirements.

Step 3: Complete 3D Model

Finish off the 3D model with fillets & chamfers to smooth out the edges.

Step 4: Slice & Print

Export the model as a .stl, toss it into a slicer, and print!

Step 5: Finish Print!

Take the print out and bask in its glory.

Step 6: Prepare to Mold Silicone

Glue the print to the base and container using gorilla glue, and assemble the container.

Step 7: Make Silicone Mold

Mix & pour silicone into the container from the next step, wait for it to set, then take the silicone mold out and clean up any leaks to get a cleaner shape for the mold.

Step 8: Molding Chocolate!

Melt and pour chocolate into the silicone mold, let it cool, and the molded chocolate is ready to eat!

Mine came out with a pretty big air bubble in it, which was kinda sad but hey, the chocolate tasted fantastic (despite leaving a slightly rubbery aftertaste in my mouth, but I'm sure that's fine)

Step 9: Reading

In this week’s reading, “Nothing Like Compilation”, the researchers break down digital fabrication methods applied by professionals in the field, looking at some of their most common practices and exploring the logic behind their workflow. One aspect of the process that piqued my interest was the concept of machine control being treated as its own, unique design space. This was particularly interesting to me because I had always viewed machines as a means to an end, before. The majority of time during any form of digital fabrication I’ve done has always been spent doing the digital design portion, and sending the 3D print/setting the path on a CNC machine was always just the last step in the process, and therefore was never something that I really focused on. This reading inspired me to think about the settings on the 3D printer before printing the piece. I don’t usually adjust the parameters much when printing, because the default settings in our Makerspace printers work well for most things, but this time I decided to set the layer height lower, in order for the shape to come out with a smoother surface, and the print ended up coming out wonderfully.

Step 10: Conclusion

I think the part I struggled with the most during this project was the initial sketching phase, I was really stuck and couldn't figure out any fun shapes that would also fulfill the assignment requirements -- most of the little creatures I had in mind would have been a simple extrude with a few fillets running along the corners. I'm still not particularly happy with this shape, I think I definitely could have done something more complex and interesting, but for now, an orange-shaped piece of chocolate will have to do.